Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salina, NY (2024 Update)
- Salina Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,642
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
We go over average solar pricing in Salina.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Salina, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Salina is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,835 for a solar installation, or $16,924 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Salina can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Salina that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,926 |
| 3 years | $-9,109 |
| 5 years | $-7,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,475 |
| 9 years | $-3,658 |
| 11 years | $-1,840 |
| 13 years | $-23 |
| 15 years | $1,794 |
| 17 years | $3,611 |
| 19 years | $5,428 |
| 21 years | $7,245 |
| 23 years | $9,063 |
| 25 years | $10,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Salina
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Salina, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Salina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salina
The cost of installing a solar system in Salina can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Salina average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salina, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,050 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,143 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,439 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,940 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,646 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,555 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,670 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,988 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Salina, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salina?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Salina is currently $205,756, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,436 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Salina is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.